Scaffold system for use in sandblasting

Abstract

The subject invention relates to a scaffold system for use in sandblasting. The scaffold system is intended to prevent particulates generated during the sandblasting operation from entering the atmosphere. This result is achieved by providing a platform having an enclosure formed on three sides thereof. A plurality of inverted pyramidal troughs are mounted in abutting side-by-side relationship on the lower surface of the platform. A conduit system is connected to the lower ends of the troughs. In use, particulates generated during the sandblasting operation are contained by the enclosure and directed into the troughs to be channeled by the conduit system to the ground.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A scaffold system adapted to be raised adjacent the side of a building, said system for use in a sandblasting operation, said system comprising: an elongated planar platform;   a plurality of inverted pyramidal troughs connected to the bottom surface of said platform, each trough having an open upper end and an outlet means formed in the lower apex portion thereof, said troughs being mounted along the length of said platform in abutting, side-by-side relationship, with said troughs projecting outwardly beyond the elongated side edges of said platform;   conduit means connected to the outlet means of each said trough for channeling sand accumulated therein, downwardly;   enclosure means extending upwardly from the upper surface of said platform, said enclosure means surrounding both ends of said platform and the side edge thereof which is spaced away from the building, whereby when a sandblasting operation is carried out on said platform, sand particles and any material removed from the side of the building will be contained by said enclosure and directed into said troughs to be channeled by said conduit means directly to the ground.   
     
     
       2. A scaffold system as recited in claim 1 wherein said conduit means includes a V-shaped branch tube, with the two upper ends of said V-shaped branch tube being in communication with the outlet means of the two troughs located at the opposed ends of said platform, said conduit means further including a plurality of tube segments, with one end of each said tube segment being in communication with an outlet means of one of the remaining troughs, and with the other end of each said segment being connected to said V-shaped branch tube and in communication therewith, said conduit means further including a main central tube in communication with the apex portion of said V-shaped branch tube. 
     
     
       3. A conduit system as recited in claim 2 wherein said main central tube is formed from a plurality of interconnected tube segments. 
     
     
       4. A scaffold system as recited in claim 3 wherein each said tube segment of said central tube is independently supported via cable means connected to said platform. 
     
     
       5. A scaffold system as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform includes a plurality of slots permitting sand to drop therethrough into said troughs. 
     
     
       6. A scaffold system as recited in claim 5 wherein said platform is formed from a plurality of elongated members, mounted in a spaced-apart, parallel array in a manner to define said slots. 
     
     
       7. A scaffold system as recited in claim 1 wherein said troughs are connected to the bottom surface of said platform by a mounting means in a manner such that the upper surface of said platform is left unobstructed. 
     
     
       8. A scaffold system as recited in claim 7 wherein said elongated side edges of said platform are structurally formed with an I-beam configuration in cross section and wherein said mounting means includes a mounting plate, enabling the lower projecting edge of the I-beam structure to be interposed between said mounting plate and the upper surfaces of said troughs. 
     
     
       9. A scaffold system as recited in claim 8 wherein said mounting plate is secured to the upper surfaces of said troughs. 
     
     
       10. A scaffold system as recited in claim 9 wherein said mounting plate is secured to the upper surfaces of said troughs via bolts.